2009 Mazda RX-8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 received its major mid-cycle refresh, the most important update of its 2004-2011 run. Mazda also introduced the more focused R3 trim.
About the 2009 Mazda RX-8
First and only RX-8 generation (2004-2011 US), major mid-cycle refresh year
Mazda positioned the RX-8 as a pure sports car that could still carry four adults. Its twin-rotor engine, rear-wheel drive, low weight and balanced chassis created a high-revving, handling-focused experience, while two small rear-hinged doors made the back seats easier to reach than in most coupes. Its key distinction was combining rotary-engine character and sports-car responses with useful four-seat practicality.
The 2009 RX-8 lineup ranges from the driver-focused Sport to the comfort-oriented Grand Touring, which has heated leather seats, Bose audio, Bluetooth and keyless start. The new manual-only R3 is the sharpest version, pairing the 232-hp rotary engine with Bilstein shock absorbers, Recaro sport seats and added front-structure stiffening. Every version retains rear-wheel drive, four seats and rear-hinged rear access doors.
What changed, by category
2009 Mazda RX-8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Rotary, 1.3 Liter | Rotary, 1.3 Liter | Rotary, 1.3 Liter | Rotary, 1.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 232 hp | 212 hp | 212 hp | 212 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft | 159 lb-ft | 159 lb-ft | 159 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 7.6 cu-ft | 7.6 cu-ft | 7.6 cu-ft | 7.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Stability Control | ||||
| Traction Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What was the biggest change to the 2009 Mazda RX-8?
The biggest change was a major mid-cycle refresh. It brought revised exterior styling, a redesigned set of cabin controls and seats, added body reinforcement, suspension revisions and the new R3 performance trim.
What is different about the 2009 RX-8 R3?
The 2009 R3 is the most performance-focused RX-8 trim. It has a 232-hp rotary engine with a six-speed manual, Bilstein shock absorbers, a reinforced front suspension crossmember, Recaro sport seats and distinct body trim.
How did the 2009 RX-8 manual transmission models change?
The 2009 manual-transmission RX-8 received shorter final gearing and a lower-back-pressure muffler. The shorter gearing was intended to make acceleration feel more responsive.
Is the 2009 RX-8 substantially different from the 2008 model?
Yes. The 2009 RX-8 is more than a simple carryover because Mazda updated its exterior, cabin, body structure, rear suspension geometry and manual gearing, while also adding the R3 trim.
Did the 2009 RX-8 receive new safety technology?
No lineup-wide safety-system change was made for 2009. The major updates centered on styling, cabin details, structural rigidity, handling and the manual drivetrain.